Beautiful

I may have been the first human to ever see this extraordinary world as I stood there, mesmerised by the stunning cityscape. My entire body began to shiver as the cold wind whipped around me. Peering over the edge, I couldn't see the ground due to a floating white mass, presumably a cloud given my altitude.

Suddenly, a persistent blaring sound pierced the air, indicating that my escape had been detected. As I considered what to do next, panic overcame me. I need to run, but to where? I felt a wave of frustration come over me, disrupting the brief moment of peace and silence I had hoped for.

Every step I took was a struggle, each filled with agony and torment, but I resisted giving in. The thought of getting caught spurred me forward, propelling me through the pain. I eventually reached an intersection and was met with a series of long hallways that were visually identical in every way. I felt frustration rising inside of me, but I trusted my gut and made the decision to turn right, picking up my pace.

Each step blended into the next as I moved along a seemingly endless corridor that stretched into the distance. I had the impression that I had been walking for hours on end as time seemed to elongate. The monotonous surroundings only added to my disorientation, with every feature resembling the last.

Weariness started to set in as I continued down the hallway, which seemed to go on forever. The unchanging scenery played tricks on my mind, making it difficult to gauge any progress. My soft footsteps filled the empty space with a haunting rhythm. The sterile walls, devoid of any distinguishing marks or patterns, cast an eerie ambience that weighed heavily on my senses. I felt as though I had gotten lost in a monochromatic labyrinth, a place where everything was always the same.

I finally stopped when I noticed a gap in the path up ahead. A door-like structure with a pool of water surrounding it stood on the opposite side, sandwiched between four towers. It required a leap of faith to reach the other side and was risky. I knelt down by the edge, reaching out my hand and feeling a firm, rippling surface beneath my touch.

“It made no sense why there would be a random gap in the middle like this.”

I smirked as I realised it was made of glass or some other transparent substance. It was almost undetectable to the untrained eye because there were no reflections to indicate its presence. Perhaps those who dwell here possess an exceptional ability to perceive such things.

My mind was filled with confusion as I scratched my head and thought about what to do next. Standing back up, I focused on the potential exit right in front of me, beyond the enigmatic structure. I carefully stepped onto the panel with my right foot, evenly distributing my weight. The possibility of the panel not supporting my mass loomed in my thoughts, urging me to exercise restraint. With my foot secured, it was time to take the leap of faith with my other foot. I put it on the panel while trying to hold my breath.

To my relief, nothing untoward occurred. I was able to move forward without fear because the panel remained stable under my weight. The rippling effect persisted, a visual reminder of the peculiar environment I found myself in.

Mindful not to waste time, I swiftly traversed the panel, now faced with a new obstacle. The door-like structure It appeared to open in some way because of a small slit that ran across the surface. But how? I scanned my surroundings, searching for any clues or anomalies. One detail stood out—an indentation on the surface, seemingly out of place.

I reached out and gently brushed my fingertips against the strange, scale-like texture that surrounded the indentation out of curiosity. It responded, exhibiting a slight movement akin to scales. Intrigued, I pressed my palm firmly against the indentation, hoping it would react and grant me access. Realistically, I knew the chances were slim. After all, why would an alien mechanism respond to someone who wasn't of their own species? Nevertheless, even though I knew it might just be wishful thinking, I managed to hold onto a sliver of hope as I waited for any indication of a change or response.

As I looked down and thought about what to do next, a feeling of hopelessness swept over me. Thoughts of Yazmin's promise to find me filled my mind, but the details were vague. Would she know where my body was stored? If so, returning there seemed logical, but what awaited me? The possibility of encountering hostile aliens loomed large.

As I considered the appearance of these extraterrestrial beings, an intense curiosity overcame me. Were they a lot like humans or very unlike us? I couldn't stop wondering about their shape, bipedal or otherwise. What distinctive anatomical characteristics did they have? The enigma surrounding their existence puzzled me deeply.

Realising my mind was wandering, I chastised myself, urging focus on the task at hand. Should I head back to that place? The answer hovered just beyond my reach when, suddenly, the mechanism in front of me began to shift. The partitions parted, and a chill ran down my spine.

My heart skipped a beat as I witnessed beings that resembled humans emerging from the opening. Disbelief washed over me. Humans? No, that couldn't be possible. This place was inhabited by extraterrestrial beings like Yazmin and Reuben. They possessed striking human features and an uncanny similarity to us.

I instinctively took a few steps back after becoming distracted and alarmed, my mind racing. As one of the beings reached behind them, a surge of panic compelled me to turn and flee. I covered my ears as the sound of their wailing screams pierced the air. My leg felt a sharp pain suddenly, sending me sprawling to the ground in pain and confusion.

Clutching the source of the pain, I felt warm blood gushing from a puncture wound. Swearing under my breath, I glanced back to see them approaching. One of them spoke in an unfamiliar language, heightening my fear and confusion. I struggled mightily to stand, but the pain overcame me and sent me tumbling once more. Tears welled up in my eyes as I crawled on all fours, dragging my injured leg along, leaving a trail of blood in my wake.

My mind raced with questions as I was surrounded by my captors and attempted to understand their intentions and next move. Would they kill me? Return me to the nightmarish loop I had escaped from? Torture me? I couldn't allow any of those possibilities to become reality. I needed to think, plan, and devise an escape route. Even in the worst circumstances, there was always a solution.

My eyes darted from face to face, searching for any clue, any sign of weakness or vulnerability. Their stoic faces revealed little about their motivations. Memories of excruciating pain flooded my mind, reminding me of the horrors I had endured in the past. Impalement, crushing, burning—I had faced them all. I wouldn't allow a minor puncture wound to be the cause of my demise. The arduous journey I had undertaken to escape the confines of the loop had forged an unyielding spirit within me. If I die here, that's it.

I gritted my teeth and banged my fist on the ground, relying on my resolve. I forced myself onto my other foot while bracing against the weight of my body, using every ounce of strength I could muster. I had a hard time keeping my balance, but I persisted, bracing myself with my arms. I could bear this pain; it was nothing compared to what I had endured and what lay ahead.

A peal of slow, eerie laughter escaped my lips—an expression of my pent-up frustration and defiance. They stood motionless, undecided about their actions. It was a temporary advantage, and I had to make the most of it.

I evaluated the circumstances and came up with a plan. Seven enemies surrounded me, and I recognised the formidable challenge ahead. Aware of their possession of a restraining device that had inflicted the puncture in my leg, it became clear that their objective was to apprehend me alive, evident from the non-lethal nature of their weaponry. Knowing they could have easily shot me in the head to end my life was a small act of mercy.

My lack of knowledge about their unique abilities and techniques posed a significant challenge. Running blindly would be foolish, especially since I can't move very far due to my injured leg. There was no quick way out of the corridor, which seemed to go on forever. But could I outsmart them somehow? I racked my brain in an effort to think of something. There had to be a way—a glimmer of hope hidden within this dire situation.

The aliens suddenly turned to look down the hall, fixated on something approaching. Instinctively, my gaze followed theirs, and I soon made out a figure running towards us in the distance. The figure started out small but gradually grew larger as it got closer. I could just make out a distant voice speaking in addition to the approaching silhouette, issuing a command that sent a jolt of recognition through me.

“Elisa, step back.”

Those familiar, trustworthy words carried a lot of weight. It was then that I caught a glimpse of her face and recognised the shock of her white hair. It was Yazmin.

I quickly moved two paces backward, startled but relieved, avoiding a collision with the alien behind me. Its attention was fixed entirely on Yazmin, who skillfully drew a gleaming blade from its sheath. From the corner of my eye, I detected a blur of motion as the other aliens suddenly shifted from their positions, including the one that had been lurking behind me. They moved so quickly that I wondered if they had teleportation powers or if they were just incredibly fast.

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I turned my attention back to Yazmin, though. Her blade cut through the air with graceful precision, expertly deflecting the attackers' attempts to attack her by lunging and dodging.

“Elisa, come on.”

I heard Yazmin's voice urging me to continue. I silently signalled that I needed help getting away by pointing to my bleeding, injured leg. Yazmin's expression shifted, registering the severity of my condition. In a moment of shared realisation, we both understood that our delayed awareness had dire consequences.

“Shit.”

She muttered, momentarily sidetracked, and the aliens pounced on the chance, overwhelming her and taking away her blade, which fell several feet away. Yazmin acted quickly, turning on a device strapped to her arm and speaking urgently into it.

“We're in trouble here. Get over here, but be careful not to damage my ship.”

“On my way.”

A voice cracked in response, assuring her. Despite her brief setback, Yazmin continued her valiant struggle against the encroaching assailants. However, now that she was without her weapon, the odds were increasingly stacked against her. I couldn't bear the thought of her facing this alone while I remained helpless.

A surge of determination overpowered my pain and self-loathing. I couldn't be useless any longer. Gritting my teeth, I focused on the blade lying within reach, just a few agonising leaps away. My body ached with each movement, but I persevered anyway, not letting the pain stop me.

Leaping and limping, I drew closer to the blade, using every last bit of strength I still had to endure the agony. I stumbled and nearly fell, but I struggled to keep my balance because I had only one objective in mind. I finally got to the blade, stooping to grasp the metal hilt. The grip was rough and secure, ensuring it wouldn't slip from my grasp easily. Surprisingly light, the weight felt manageable as I prepared to wield it.

My heart sank as I shifted my gaze down the hallway and saw more aliens advancing quickly. Time was running out. I urgently called Yazmin's name to warn her of the impending trouble, and anger flashed across her face, but she quickly regained her composure.

“Throw it to me.”

She exclaimed as she skillfully deflected one of the aliens' attacks and momentarily stunned another. I launched the blade by its hilt just to Yazmin's side without thinking twice. She quickly reached out and grabbed the blade by its edges with her right hand. She switched the blade to her other hand, grabbing it firmly. She swiftly dispatched her first attacker, impaling it with precision. Before the second alien could react, she raised the blade above her head and drove it down, severing its head in one swift motion.

I was filled with admiration as I stood there in awe. Yazmin was unquestionably a badass, showing ferocity and skill in each manoeuvre. She had a deep cut on her right palm from catching the edge of the blade, but she showed no sign of weakness as she turned and approached me.

“Let’s go”

She urged, taking my hand and placing it over her shoulder for support, and without another word, she began guiding me away, assisting me in my injured state. Although we were moving at a slower-than-ideal pace—more of a determined walk than a true run—Yazmin's assistance allowed us to move more quickly than I could have done alone.

Yazmin then placed something on the wall that blinked at intervals. Its blinking intensified as we distanced ourselves from it. Suddenly, a deafening explosion echoed through the corridor, accompanied by the rush of wind as a hole tore open in the wall. The sheer force of the blast sent my hair flying.

I gazed in awe as a large flying vehicle swooped in and came to a halt just outside the newly formed breach, and its hatch opened, revealing a way to escape. Without hesitation, Yazmin guided me towards the opening, swiftly ushering us onto the vehicle. A few of the aliens managed to leap aboard as well, attempting to pursue us.

Once inside, Yazmin let go of her grip on me and used her blade to swiftly take care of the aliens, ensuring our safety. The vehicle lurched forward, its sudden movements threatening to throw me off balance. I clung tightly, bracing myself for the potentially turbulent ride ahead. Gradually, the vehicle stabilised, and a sense of relief washed over us.

Yazmin came over to me, her face etched with worry, and bent down to look at my injured leg. The pain had subsided, allowing me to bear weight on it once more. She skillfully ripped a piece of fabric, wrapped it around the wound, and applied pressure to stop the bleeding. I recognised the necessity of her actions despite the brief worsening of the pain.

“We'll properly take care of this once we're out of here.”

She reassured me in a determined tone and helped me move towards a part of the vehicle that appeared to be the cockpit, my arm once more draped over her shoulder. The numerous control panels with switches and knobs that were hung from the walls served as visual cues to the complex nature of the vehicle. Through the viewport, I caught a glimpse of the vast alien city sprawling above us, a testament to their advanced civilization.

And there, occupying the pilot's seat, sat Reuben. As he turned to face me, his face broke out in a warm smile.

“Welcome to the outside world, Elisa.”

“Thanks,”

I replied, feeling a hint of embarrassment as his gaze made me realise I was still unclothed. Yazmin helped me into one of the vacant seats as I quickly covered myself with the blanket she had provided and buckled the seatbelt. Reuben took the seat next to me after graciously giving Yazmin the pilot's seat. Concern etched his features as he looked at me.

“Are you okay?”

I met his gaze and offered a reassuring smile.

“Aside from my leg, I'm hanging in there.”

I gestured to the blood-soaked cloth wrapped around my wounded leg, and Reuben's eyes followed my gesture before returning to mine.

“Already getting hurt”

He teased, lightening the mood and eliciting a soft chuckle from me. The view outside changed as I looked out the viewport. We made our way between imposing buildings as we descended beneath the swooping clouds. We eventually made it into a tunnel made of enormous pipes, its far end cloaked in darkness.

The vehicle gradually decelerated, cautiously navigating its way between the pipes. The entire craft quivered upon contact, signifying our arrival at a designated spot. It seemed like we had landed. Yazmin sighed in relief after adjusting a number of switches and buttons. She took a position in front of me after rising.

“We are safe here.”

She assured us while removing a dark, gelatinous substance from her pocket. She carefully removed the cloth that had been wrapped around my leg, revealing that the bleeding had stopped, indicating the formation of a clot.

“This is a special material called Lumen.”

She explained, her voice soothing, as she gently wrapped the warm gel around my leg.

“It will help patch you up.”

“Thank you”

I responded, gratitude filling my voice.

“Alright then, it's time for you to rest.”

“I don't think I need to.”

I replied, hesitating at the thought of surrendering to sleep. Yazmin, however, shifted to sit next to me, her face conveying a mix of sadness and concern.

“That's what you think, but do you know how long your body has been inactive?”

She questioned me, glancing at Reuben and then back at me. My heart rate quickened, sensing that her next words would be significant. I braced myself for what was to come.

“Elisa, it has been nine years.”

She softly stated it, her voice soft with sympathy. As I struggled to comprehend the magnitude of those words, my chest tightened, and my breathing became more rapid. Both Yazmin and Reuben reacted with a deep concern for my well-being.

Calm down. Control your breathing.

Nine years.

I had been trapped in a time loop for nearly a decade. Though the experiences I had been through prepared me for the unexpected, this revelation still sent shockwaves through me.

Yazmin reached out her hand to me while looking at me sympathetically. Yazmin reached out her hand to me while looking at me sympathetically.

“I am fine.”

I replied, my voice steadier now.

“But yes, resting won't be a bad idea right now.”

I replied by taking her hand, and with her help, I rose to my feet. I glanced at Reuben, who had remained unusually quiet throughout the conversation. Together, Yazmin guided me out of the cockpit and into a central area, cluttered with tools and debris. She led me past the strewn objects and apologised for the mess to a row of five capsules arranged side by side.

“This one is yours.”

She proclaimed, opening the capsule's transparent hatch. I took a seat near the edge while Yazmin tinkered with the control panel.

“Lie down; it's a sleeping capsule.”

I began tidying up the cluttered area, moving objects aside, when my eyes landed on a book that piqued my curiosity. The first page of the book caught my eye as I opened it because it had a handwritten note on it. It read, "For Be. I am serious, Yazmin. Don't Touch." Who was this mysterious "Be"? I wondered if it was an abbreviation or the actual name of a person. I started wondering about their whereabouts and the significance of the book.

Placing the book carefully on the ground next to the capsule, I made a mental note to explore its contents when I had the time. I then did as she instructed, and following her guidance, I settled into a comfortable position within the capsule, ready to surrender to much-needed rest. But before she could continue with her preparations, I interrupted her with a question.

“Yazmin?”

Momentarily startled by the interruption, she glanced at me while maintaining her focus on the controls.

“I just wanted to talk.”

I explained, feeling the weight of the revelation she had shared earlier. Yazmin paused what she was doing and looked at me, understanding dawning in her eyes.

“Can't we do that later? You really need to rest.”

She advised me, and I sighed and nodded in response to her worry.

“I know I need to rest, but I also need to take my mind off the bombshell you dropped earlier.”

I admitted it, and Yazmin approached me as she retrieved a syringe from the side of the capsule, a smirk tugging at her lips. She held it carefully, poised above my skin.

“Stay still,”

She said that, and then she gently injected the clear fluid into me.

“What is that?”

I inquired, curiosity piqued.

“Don't worry; it's Lumen once again. It will help you sleep well and detoxify your body.”

Yazmin reassured me; however, I couldn’t help but ask.

“Is Lumen used for everything?”

“You'd be surprised by the versatility of this substance.”

Yazmin made a quiet chuckle. My lips curled into a smile at her response, but it vanished just as quickly as it had appeared.

“Being here knowing that I've been trapped in the loop for nine years and now I'm finally free in the real world, it's a little mind-boggling.”

I confessed, feeling the weight of reality settle in. My eyes began to get heavy, and I started to feel exhausted. Maybe it was the fluid's effect, or maybe it was just the height of my exhaustion.

“It is. I don't even know how you can remain so calm.”

Yazmin commented in reference to the astounding composure I had managed to maintain. I couldn't help but smirk at what she said. Of course, she was right.

“Appearances can be deceiving.”

I retorted, with a mix of humour and underlying unease in my voice. Anyone else in my situation, knowing what I knew and having gone through what I had, would have most likely suffered a severe mental breakdown. And despite experiencing a fair amount of emotional turmoil, I was able to persevere.

But that didn't mean I was devoid of fear or anxiety. Deep down, I harboured a constant sense of unease, knowing that now, in the real world, every decision and action carried greater weight. I needed to be cautious and aware, for here there was no reset or second chance.

“Calm, you say that's an interesting observation.”

I remarked, my voice growing more distant as drowsiness took hold.

“Sleep well, Elisa. We have a long day ahead of us.”

Yazmin's voice echoed softly in the background as I closed my eyes. The surroundings became hazy, and I lost consciousness. I accepted the darkness at that time, knowing that sleep would refresh my worn-out body and mind. Then everything went black.